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Economics

Investing in your future

SPECIALIZE IN ECONOMICS

A degree in Business Administration with a specialization in economics at BHSU provides the tools necessary to solve problems associated with asset valuation and investment decisions. The curriculum covers major social, political, and economic issues.

At BHSU, you will learn to think critically, analyze and solve business problems effectively, work in teams, appreciate diversity, and strategically anticipate and adapt to change. With a degree in economics, you will enter one of the most in-demand fields of study.

STUDY AT ONE OF THE TOP PROGRAMS IN THE WORLD

The Business programs at Black Hills State University are accredited by AACSB, placing them among just 5% of business schools in the world to have earned this distinction. Through innovative instruction, mentoring, research,  internships, and service, BHSU develops business graduates who become local and regional leaders and compete in a dynamic global environment.

  • SMALL CLASS SIZES allows faculty to cater to students’ different learning styles, ensuring that each student understands the material and concepts.
  • LOCAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT connect the business school to community employers.
  • STUDENTS RECEIVE A WELL-ROUNDED BUSINESS DEGREE by completing a wide range of business classes.
  • COURSES UTILIZE MULTIPLE TEACHING METHODS including traditional lectures, online and hybrid courses, study aboard opportunities, and internship and service learning projects

Program Highlights

WORLD TOURISM DAYS

» Each year, the United Nations coordinates a World Tourism Day celebration highlighting important aspects of the tourism industry. BHSU brings together students and industry leaders to celebrate the impact of tourism on our community.

ACCOUNTING FAIRS

» The annual Accounting Fair, for accounting and professional accounting majors, is held every fall, welcoming local and regional employers to both the Spearfish and Rapid City campuses. Students network and interview with employers to secure internships and full-time positions.

CAREER FAIRS

» Each spring semester, BHSU holds its annual career fair, open to all majors and welcoming over 60 employers to campus to meet with students seeking part-time, full-time, and internship positions.

VITA PROGRAM

» Advanced Income Tax Accounting students participate in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), gaining hands-on experience preparing tax returns for low-income individuals.

Course Requirements

Economics Course Requirements

Business Core - 51 semester hours

  • ACCT 210 - Principles of Accounting I

  • ACCT 211 - Principles of Accounting II

  • BADM 220 - Business Statistics

  • BADM 310 - Business Finance

  • BADM 320 - Quantitative Decision Analysis

  • BADM 321 - Business Statistics II

  • BADM 344 - Managerial Communications

  • BADM 350 - Legal Environment of Business

  • BADM 369 - Organizational Behavior and Theory 

  • BADM 370 - Marketing

  • BADM 425 - Production/Operations Management

  • BADM 482 - Business Policy and Strategy

  • ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics

  • ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

  • MIS 205 - Advanced Computer Applications

  • MIS 325 - Management Information Systems

  • Elective from ACCT, BADM, ECON, HRM, or THM 


Specialization in Economics - 18 semester hours

  • ECON 311 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

  • ECON 300/400 Electives - 15 semester hours


Gen Ed Requirements - 30 semester hours

  • ENGL 101 - Composition I

  • ENGL 201 - Composition II

  • MATH - Gen Ed - Mathematics - 3 semester hours

  • Gen Ed - Social Science - 6 semester hours

  • Gen Ed - Art & Humanities - 6 semester hours

  • Gen Ed - Natural Science & Lab - 6-8 semester hours

  • One of the Following:

    • SPCM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech

    • SPCM 215 - Public Speaking

    • SPCM 222 - Argumentation and Debate

**Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.**

Minor Requirements

Economics  Minor Requirements

18 semester hours

  • ECON 300/400 level Electives - 12 semester hours

  • ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics

  • ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

Economics Minor - Teaching Requirements

21 semester hours

  • ECON 300/400 level Electives - 12 semester hours

  • ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics

  • ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

  • SEED 415 - 7-12 Social Science Methods

**Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.**

4 Year Plan

We are updating the 4-year plan for our Bachelor's degree in Economics. To set up your individual 4-year plan, please meet with your advisor.

**Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.**

Faculty

**Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.**

Find Your Career

Employment opportunities include:
» Account Executive
» Advertising Specialist
» Management Trainer
» Entrepreneur
» Financial Advisor
» Hotel General Manager
» Casino Group Sales Manager
» Human Resources Manager
» Small Business Owner
» Travel Agent
» Retail Manager

Amber Lind Headshot

Amber Lind

Class of 09'

» B.S. in Business Administration, Specializations in Marketing and Management
» Began her career with Aflac after graduation in June 2009
Promoted to Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator
» Involved in Student Council and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) while attending BHSU

Student Organizations

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society for AACSB accredited schools of business, whose mission is to encourage and honor academic excellence, to foster personal and professional excellence, and to advance the values of the Society. The top 10% of junior and senior business majors are invited to join this prestigious organization.

Travel and Tourism Club

The mission of the Travel and Tourism Club is to focus on exploring the tourism industry through trips around the Black Hills region and beyond. Other opportunities include job shadowing, guest speakers, and networking with professionals in tourism fields.

Jacket Investment Club

The Jackets Investment Club seeks to provide all students an opportunity to learn more about investing. The purpose of the club is to give members the opportunity to learn and practice new investment tools. Using real-world applications, students will strengthen their knowledge of economics, markets, and finance.